First Posted: 1/16/2015

PEMBROKE ­ — The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s online graduate program in Elementary Education has been recognized for its high quality by U.S. News and World Report, America’s leading college rating service.

The program finished in the top 100 among hundreds of programs nationally. UNCP’s ranking — 78th — put it among only five North Carolina colleges and universities in the top 100.

U.S. News selects the best online master’s in education degree programs based on factors such as faculty credentials, graduation rates and student services and technologies. Zoe Locklear, dean of the School of Education, said the news is a “great way to start the year.”

“This is very good news, “ she said. “Congrats to all. We know it takes a whole village, but I’d like to especially thank Karen Stanley for her fine leadership with this program.”

Department chair and program director Karen Stanley said that U.S. News evaluates the effectiveness of online instruction.

“Our elementary education graduate faculty teach very effectively during their days, nights and weekends and get to know our students at a different level online,” she said. “They have received excellent training and have taken the initiative to improve their instruction each semester.

“Excellent technology support is also essential to the success of online programs, and we have it at UNCP,” Stanley said. “Thanks to everyone for the constant support … we will keep working toward improvement.”

In 2014, U.S. News also rated UNCP’s graduate education program as a “Best for Vets.” On U.S. News’ “short list,” UNCP’s Master of Public Administration program, which also offers an online option, one of the five most affordable programs for in-state students. UNCP’s Master of Business Administration will offer a complete online option beginning in the fall semester 2015.

Of the rated areas, UNCP’s graduate education program scored highest (85th percentile) for faculty credentials and training, and for admissions selectivity (63rd percentile).

To view requirements or to apply, students should contact the School of Graduate Studies at 910-521-6271 or email [email protected].